Head cooling system and devices

ABSTRACT

Head cooling systems including head cooling devices configured to be worn on a user&#39;s head are shown and described. The head cooling devices have a concave body including: a ceiling having a plurality of ceiling pouches and ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches; a curved side wall attached to a perimeter of the ceiling having a plurality of side wall pouches a plurality of ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches; and a freezable material disposed in each of the plurality of ceiling pouches and each of the plurality of side wall pouches. During wear, the ceiling is proximal to an apex of the wearer&#39;s head, while the curved side wall is encompasses a forehead, a rear, and sides of the wearer&#39;s head. In some examples, the head cooling system further includes an elastic sleeve that is fittable over the concave body and is configured to be in an at least partially stretched state during wear of the head cooling device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 62/004,654, filed on May 29, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to head cooling devices. In particular, flexible head cooling devices that can be worn in combination with a user's hat and/or an elastic sleeve are described.

Working, playing, and/or other outdoor activities are difficult to perform in hot climates (i.e., high temperatures). In some cases, a hat can be worn to block sunlight from the face and/or neck and shoulders of a wearer. In extreme temperatures (i.e., high temperatures), a hat may provide insufficient cooling to a wearer. Alternatively, a head cooling device can be worn to provide a cooling source to the scalp of a wearer. Head cooling devices can also be used to reduce a body temperature and/or provide physical relief during illness and injury.

Known head cooling devices are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, many head cooling devices are large and unattractive, thereby inhibiting a wearer from wearing the head cooling device in public. Further, many head cooling devices are unstable and are subject to “falling off” of a user during wear. In another example, some conventional head cooling devices use small frozen pouches in combination with a specially designed hat having a pocket for receiving the frozen pouch. In these examples, the wearer is limited to wearing the head cooling device with the hat. Further, the conventional head cooling device may provide insufficient cooling to the wearer.

Thus, there exists a need for head cooling devices that improve upon and advance the design of known head cooling devices. Examples of new and useful head cooling devices relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs is provided in the detailed description below. Examples of references relevant to head cooling devices include U.S. patent References: U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,365, U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,473, U.S. Pat. No. 7,930,772, U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,474, U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,964, U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,807, U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,579, U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,425, U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,363, U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,709, U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,803, U.S. Pat. No. 2,158,571, U.S. Pat. No. 2,049,723, U.S. Pat. No. 1,127,221, patent publication 20100703031. The complete disclosures of the above patents and patent publication are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to head cooling systems including a head cooling device configured to be worn on a user's head. The head cooling device has a concave body including a ceiling having a plurality of ceiling pouches and ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches; a curved side wall attached to a perimeter of the ceiling having a plurality of side wall pouches a plurality of ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches; and a freezable material disposed in each of the plurality of ceiling pouches and each of the plurality of side wall pouches. During wear, the ceiling is configured to be proximal to an apex of the wearer's head, while the curved side wall is configured to encompass a forehead, a rear, and sides of the wearer's head. In some examples, the head cooling system further includes an elastic sleeve that is fittable over the concave body and is configured to be in an at least partially stretched state during wear of the head cooling device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are bottom plan views of first and second examples of head cooling devices, respectively, depicting inner surfaces of the head cooling devices.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top plan views of the first and second examples of head cooling devices shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, depicting outer surfaces of the devices.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side elevation views of the first and second examples of head cooling devices shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the first example head cooling device shown in FIG. 1A depicting the head cooling device disposed within an example hat.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first example head cooling device shown in FIG. 1A depicting the head cooling device disposed within the example hat.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second example head cooling device shown in FIG. 1B depicting the head cooling device disposed within an example elastic sleeve.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the second example head cooling device shown in FIG. 1B depicting the head cooling device disposed within the example elastic sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed head cooling devices will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of head cooling device examples are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7 a first example of a head cooling device, head cooling device 100, and a second example of a head cooling device, head cooling 200, will now be described. Head cooling devices 100 and 200 function to reduce the temperature of a wearer's head during experiences of high body temperature (e.g., illness including fever, exposure to high temperature climates, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, each of head cooling devices 100 and 200 can be used in combination with a wearer's hat to disguise or mask the wearing of the head cooling device. Further, additionally or alternatively, each of head cooling devices 100 and 200 can be worn in combination with an elastic cap or the head cooling device can have an elastic casing to assist in holding the cap to the wearer's head during use of the head cooling device.

Head cooling devices 100 and 200 address many of the shortcomings existing with conventional head cooling devices. For example, the presently described head cooling devices have a small enough profile to be fitted underneath the hat of a wearer, yet provide a larger cooling surface area than conventional head cooling devices. In another example, the subject head cooling devices can be worn alternatively be worn under a hat or alone as desired by the wearer. In even another example, when the subject head cooling devices are worn with an elastic cap or include an elastic coating, the head cooling devices are less subject to “falling off” than conventional head cooling devices.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, head cooling device 100 includes a concave body 102 including a curved side wall 104 and a ceiling 106. The concave body is configured to be generally “head-shaped”. In other examples, the head cooling device can exclude the ceiling and comprise a curved side wall with a central opening. In these other example, the head cooling device can have a conical cylinder shape that is generally “head-shaped”.

Each of curved side wall 104 and ceiling 106 are comprised of a plurality of pouches 108 that are filled with a freezable material (e.g., water, gel, etc.). Pouches 108 are formed by an inner lining 110 and an outer lining 112 that are joined at a plurality of seams 114. The seams are locations of flexibility between each of the pouches and allow movement and/or deformation of the head cooling device even when the freezable material is frozen (i.e., solid and/or stiff). Thus, the head cooling device can be flexed and/or deformed to fit a wearer's head even when the freezable material is in a frozen state. It will be appreciated that the head cooling device can include more seams for greater flexibility/deformability.

In the example of head cooling device 100, inner lining 110 is a clear (i.e., transparent) plastic material and outer lining 112 is a reflective plastic material. When worn outside by the user the outer lining reflects sunlight (e.g., UV rays, heat, etc.) and maintains a cooler temperature (i.e., resists thawing) of the freezable material in each of the pouches for a longer period of time. In some examples, the inner lining can also be made of the reflective plastic material.

A second example of a head cooling device, head cooling device 200 will now be described. Head cooling device 200 includes many similar or identical features to head cooling device 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of head cooling device 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between head cooling device 200 and head cooling device 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two head cooling devices.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, head cooling device 200 includes a concave body 202 including a curved side wall 204 and a ceiling 206. The concave body is configured to be generally “head-shaped”. In other examples, the head cooling device can exclude the ceiling and comprise a curved side wall with a central opening. In these other example, the head cooling device can have a conical cylinder shape that is generally “head-shaped”.

Each of curved side wall 204 and ceiling 206 are comprised of a plurality of pouches 208 that are filled with a freezable material (e.g., water, gel, etc.). Pouches 208 are formed by an inner lining 210 and an outer lining 212 that are joined at a plurality of seams 214. The seams are locations of flexibility between each of the pouches and allow movement and/or deformation of the head cooling device even when the freezable material is frozen (i.e., solid and/or stiff). Thus, the head cooling device can be flexed and/or deformed to fit a wearer's head even when the freezable material is in a frozen state. It will be appreciated that the head cooling device can include more seams for greater flexibility/deformability.

Different from head cooling device 100, in the example of head cooling device 200, a durable coating 216 is disposed over inner lining 210 and outer lining 212. The durable coating can be a plastic material that is thicker than the plastic material of the inner and outer linings. In the present example, the durable material is a plastic material having an embedded network of fibers (e.g., duct tape). In other examples, the durable material can be an elastic material that is stretched to fit over the head of a wearer and then retracts to a non-stretched or partially stretched state to maintain its position on the head of the wearer and/or resist “falling off” the head of the wearer.

Turning attention to FIGS. 4 and 5, head cooling device 100 is shown in combination with a hat 120 of the wearer. Hat 120 includes a curved side wall 122, a ceiling 124, and a brim 126. Curved side wall 104 and ceiling 106 are configured with fit within the boundaries of curved side wall 122 and ceiling 124 so that concave body 102 substantially fits into an interior shape of hat 120. Brim 126 is configured to block sunlight from the face and eyes of the wearer. When worn in combination with hat 120, head cooling device 100 can be undetectable/unobservable by others. Significantly, the head cooling device is selectively removable from the hat and can be removed for freezing of the freezable material, wear of the hat without the head cooling device, wear of the head cooling device without the hat, and/or wear of the head cooling device with a different hat.

Turning attention to FIGS. 6 and 7, head cooling device 200 is shown in combination with an elastic sleeve 220. Elastic sleeve 220 is comprised of an elastic material (e.g., spandex, silicone, rubber, etc.). Elastic sleeve 220 includes a curved side wall 222 and a ceiling 224. Curved side wall 204 and ceiling 206 are configured with fit within the boundaries of curved side wall 222 and ceiling 224 so that concave body 202 substantially fits into an interior shape of elastic sleeve 220 when the elastic sleeve is in a partially or fully stretched state. When worn in combination with head cooling device 200, elastic sleeve 220 can assist in maintaining a position of the head cooling device on the head of the wearer and/or assist in resisting “falling off” of the head cooling device from the head of the wearer. Significantly, the head cooling device is selectively removable from the elastic sleeve and can be removed for freezing of the freezable material and/or wear of the head cooling device without the elastic sleeve.

It will be appreciated that although head cooling device 100 is depicted in combination with hat 120 and head cooling device 200 is depicted in combination with elastic sleeve 220, in alternate examples, head cooling device 100 can be used in combination with elastic sleeve 220 and head cooling device 200 can be used in combination with hat 220. In some examples, the elastic sleeve can be disposed between a head cooling device and a hat to have both of the advantages of disguising the head cooling device with the hat and assisting in maintaining the position of the head cooling device with the elastic sleeve.

It will be further appreciated that the example head cooling devices can be manufactured in a variety of sizes. For example, a head cooling device can be manufactured in a smaller size to fit the head of a child. In another example, a head cooling device can be manufactured in a medium size to fit the head of a woman. In even another example, a head cooling device can be manufactured in a larger size to fit the head of a man. In some examples, the head cooling devices could be manufactured and labeled according to specific sized (e.g., extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, etc.).

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A head cooling system having a head cooling device configured to be worn on a head of a user, the head cooling device having a concave body comprising: a ceiling configured to be proximal to an apex of the head during wear, the ceiling having a plurality of ceiling pouches, and a plurality of ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches; a curved side wall attached to a perimeter of the ceiling and configured to encompass a forehead, a rear, and sides of the head during wear, the curved side wall having: a plurality of side wall pouches, and a plurality of side wall seams disposed between each of the side wall pouches; and a freezable material disposed in each of the plurality of ceiling pouches and each of the plurality of side wall pouches.
 2. The head cooling system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ceiling seams are points of flexibility between each of the ceiling pouches and the plurality of side wall seams are points of flexibility between each of the side wall pouches.
 3. The head cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a perimeter seam disposed between the ceiling and the side wall at a location of attachment between the ceiling and the side wall.
 4. The head cooling system of claim 3, the perimeter seam, the plurality of ceiling seams, and the plurality of side wall seams are points of flexibility in the concave body and are configured to deform to fit the head of the user during wear of the head cooling device.
 5. The head cooling system of claim 1, wherein each of the ceiling pouches are comprised of an inner lining and an outer lining, the inner lining and the outer lining being joined at each of the ceiling seams, and wherein each of the side wall pouches are comprised of the inner lining and the outer lining, the inner lining and the outer lining being joined at each of the side wall seams, the inner lining being disposed on an inner surface of the concave body and the outer lining being disposed on an outer surface of the concave body.
 6. The head cooling system of claim 5, wherein the outer lining is comprised of a reflective material waterproof material.
 7. The head cooling system of claim 5, wherein the outer lining is comprised of a plastic waterproof material having an embedded network of fibers.
 8. The head cooling system of claim 5, wherein the inner lining is comprised of a plastic waterproof material having an embedded network of fibers.
 9. The head cooling system of claim 5, wherein the inner lining and the outer lining are comprised of an elastic waterproof material.
 10. The head cooling system of claim 1, wherein the concave body is insertable into a hat and fittable within boundaries of the hat when inserted into the hat.
 11. The head cooling system of claim 1, further comprising an elastic sleeve that is fittable over the concave body to contact an outer surface of the concave body and is configured to be in an at least partially stretched state during wear of the head cooling device.
 12. The head cooling system of claim 1, wherein the freezable material comprises one or more of water, refrigerant gel, and refrigerant beads.
 13. A head cooling system having a head cooling device configured to be worn on a head of a user, the head cooling device having a concave body comprising: a ceiling configured to be proximal to an apex of the head during wear, the ceiling having: a plurality of ceiling pouches, and a plurality of ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches; a curved side wall attached to a perimeter of the ceiling and configured to encompass a forehead, a rear, and sides of the head during wear, the curved side wall having: a plurality of side wall pouches, and a plurality of side wall seams disposed between each of the side wall pouches; a perimeter seam disposed between the ceiling and the side wall at a location of attachment between the ceiling and the side wall; and a freezable material disposed in each of the plurality of ceiling pouches and each of the plurality of side wall pouches, wherein each of the ceiling pouches are comprised of an inner lining and an outer lining, the inner lining and the outer lining being joined at each of the ceiling seams, and wherein each of the side wall pouches are comprised of the inner lining and the outer lining, the inner lining and the outer lining being joined at each of the side wall seams, the inner lining being disposed on an inner surface of the concave body and the outer lining being disposed on an outer surface of the concave body.
 14. The head cooling system of claim 13, wherein the outer lining is comprised of a reflective material waterproof material.
 15. The head cooling system of claim 13, wherein the outer lining and the inner lining are comprised of a plastic waterproof material having an embedded network of fibers.
 16. The head cooling system of claim 13, wherein the inner lining and the outer lining are comprised of an elastic waterproof material.
 17. The head cooling system of claim 13, wherein the concave body is insertable into a hat and fittable within boundaries of the hat when inserted into the hat.
 18. The head cooling system of claim 13, further comprising an elastic sleeve that is fittable over the concave body to contact an outer surface of the concave body and is configured to be in an at least partially stretched state during wear of the head cooling device.
 19. The head cooling system of claim 13, wherein the freezable material comprises one or more of water, refrigerant gel, and refrigerant beads.
 20. A head cooling system having a head cooling device configured to be worn on a head of a user, the head cooling device having a concave body comprising: a ceiling configured to be proximal to an apex of the head during wear, the ceiling having: a plurality of ceiling pouches, and a plurality of ceiling seams disposed between each of the plurality of ceiling pouches, each of the ceiling pouches having an inner lining and an outer lining, the inner lining and the outer lining being joined at each of the ceiling seams; a curved side wall attached to a perimeter of the ceiling and configured to encompass a forehead, a rear, and sides of the head during wear, the curved side wall having: a plurality of side wall pouches, and a plurality of side wall seams disposed between each of the side wall pouches, each of the side wall pouches having the inner lining and the outer lining, the inner lining and the outer lining being further joined at each of the side wall seams, the inner lining being disposed on an inner surface of the concave body and the outer lining being disposed on an outer surface of the concave body; a perimeter seam disposed between the ceiling and the side wall at a location of attachment between the ceiling and the side wall; a freezable material disposed in each of the plurality of ceiling pouches and each of the plurality of side wall pouches, the freezable material being one or more of water, refrigerant gel, and refrigerant beads; and an elastic sleeve that is fittable over the concave body to contact an outer surface of the concave body and is configured to be in an at least partially stretched state during wear of the head cooling device, wherein the concave body is insertable into a hat and fittable within boundaries of the hat when inserted into the hat. 